Karen Henvey
recommend one specialist nurse for every 358 patients but Mhairi’s workload was far in excess of this.
Karen, 46, is one of many patients to speak out about her concerns over Mhairi’s resignation.
She said: “The MS Specialist nurse is extremely important to me with regards to my overall health and wellbeing physically, mentally and emotionally. She made me realise that life goes on with long term illness and supported me to develop a ‘can do’ attitude.
“She is major part of the reason I went on to support others with MS locally and via MS Society Scotland. She involves me in referrals, university education talks to future nurses, and shares my experience at groups for people who are newly-diagnosed.”
Karen added: “Mhairi recognises the importance of communication and networking with the patient, families, carers, consultants, health professionals and other agencies and staff.
Central Scotland list MSP Monica Lennon said the loss of the nurse was “a devastating blow to MS patients”.
“Despite being overloaded with cases, my constituents tell me their MS nurse has been a lifeline to them,” she said.
“I’ve written to the health secretary because the SNP government can’t keep pretending everything is fine when it’s clear resources are not meeting the reality of patients’ needs.”
Local health chiefs said they are trying to find a replacement to fill the vacant post.
Maria Docherty, nurse director of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We have acted quickly to start recruiting a replacement MS specialist nurse. We have also put in place cover provided by very experienced nurses with advanced clinical skills and some experience of dealing with patients with MS.
“Covering arrangements will remain in place until a new MS specialist nurse starts and we will ensure patients receive whatever support they need during this time to continue their safe and appropriate care.
“We are disappointed and concerned that despite this robust and safety-driven approach, some people have chosen to scaremonger and needlessly raise patient anxieties about the current situation.”
Ms Docherty also said they were working with the MS Trust to provide a second nurse specialist.